The History of Haiti

the Pearl of the Caribbean

On DECEMBER 6, 1492 Christopher Columbus first laid eyes on the pristine shores of the island of Hispaniola. Lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees Haiti became known as “La Perle des Antilles” or “the Pearl of the Caribbean”. A rich and often tragic history weaves through the lives of the island’s inhabitants in the centuries that follow. What was once France’s richest colony is today one of the world’s poorest nations, hindered by dictatorships and depleted natural resources.

Hope for Haiti

Whether you are planning a trip or would just like to learn more about Haiti we invite you to visit the rest of this resource. Our hope is that one day you would discover first hand the beauty of Haiti that endures to this day – that of its culture and of its people.